John Thayer French

John (Jack) Thayer French, 91, of Tacoma, Washington was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 27, 1926 to Brian and Lucille French. After graduating from Sullivan High School in 1944, he served in the US Navy as an ROTC Cadet. After his discharge, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Northwestern University in 1949 and eventually a Master of Business Administration degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma in 1971.

Jack was married to Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Gundstrom on September 14, 1951 after meeting her on a United Airlines flight on which she was stewardess. They were married for 66 years. Over a period of several years, they welcomed three children. Jack and Betty made their home initially in Denver, Colorado, and during those 66 years together, they lived in Hastings, Nebraska; Northbrook, Illinois; Tacoma, Washington; and Rancho Palos Verdes, California before finally retiring in Washington state, first in Port Orchard, and finally in Tacoma again.

During his career spanning 43 years, Jack worked in sales for several large companies including Weyerhaeuser and Boeing, and several smaller companies. His favorite pastime was golfing, but he also enjoyed fishing, reading (especially history), playing bridge, and travelling. He was actively involved in Rotary for many years.

John passed away peacefully at the Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Center on March 20, 2018. He will be lovingly remembered as a loving, caring, and generous husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Jack is survived by his wife Betty of Tacoma; his children: son John Jr. and his wife Stephanie of Bonney Lake; son Richard and his wife Mary of Maple Valley; and daughter Susan Gibson of Sumner; his grandchildren: Kayla (Austin) Gunderson of Renton; Joshua Murray currently living in Australia; Nathan French and Jacob French of Bonney Lake; Elizabeth (Anthony) Spiering of Powell, Wyoming; David (Kathy) French of Bothell; Michael French of Puyallup; James French, John French, and Thomas French of Maple Valley; Emily Gibson of Sumner; and three great grandchildren: Andrew Spiering, Edward Spiering, and Marit Gunderson.

Jack was preceded in death on August 22, 2016 by his brother Charles (Chuck) French of Mission Viejo, California.

Interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery, Maple Valley, WA on Wednesday, April 4th at 1:30 pm.

The Memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 5 at 2:00 pm at University Place Presbyterian Church in University Place, Washington with reception to follow in the hall. All our welcome to attend.

Condolences may be sent to Betty French at Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Center, 1301 N Highlands Pkwy, Tacoma, WA 98406.